Middleton Grange Primary School Update

As a teacher, I have always been acutely aware that children watch closely everything I say and do. Nothing drives that thought home more forcefully than when you hear yourself being mimicked as the children are playing or when a parent relates that they hear you each afternoon when their child plays “teacher” at home! Recently, in my devotions, I was challenged again by a story I had heard some time ago about a young, rather unkempt, university student who decided to visit a conservative church across the road from where he was flatting. He had wild hair, wore torn jeans and no shoes. When he arrived at church, it was packed and there were no seats left, so he made his way down the aisle and sat on the carpet at the front – something you don’t do in this church! Within seconds everyone was uptight and the pastor stopped preaching. One of the church elders, an elderly gentleman, made his way down the aisle and everyone thought they knew what he was going to do. But what happened next stunned everyone and changed their church forever. With great dignity and difficulty, the elder lowered himself onto the floor and sat by the young man so that he wouldn’t be alone! When the pastor continued, he told his hushed congregation, “What I am about to preach, you may never remember. What you have just seen you will never forget!”

The Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 3:2, “Your lives are a letter that anyone can read by just looking at you. Christ himself wrote it with God’s living Spirit.” (The Message)

The challenge for us, is to be careful how we live each day. We may be the only sermon someone will ever see! Food for thought.

Last Friday, after a false start on Wednesday, the Athletic Sports were held, with the weather being just right for the occasion. It was great to see all the children trying their hardest in each activity. Even with the change of scheduled time for the Juniors, the day was well supported by parents. A special ‘thank you’ needs to go to those parents who gave of their time to help run the activities. Without your wonderful assistance, the day would not have run as smoothly as it did. A big ‘thank you’ must also go to Mr Pomare for his tireless effort in putting it altogether. As a result, there will be number of our children selected to represent our school at the Zone Sports and I know they will do us proud both in effort and behaviour. Over the page, you will find some photographs of the children in action.

It was great to be blessed with a fine day for Fiesta and many people turned out to support this fund-raiser. I saw many children eating a wide variety of treats, involving themselves in the different activities and spending money at a great rate of knots! The total raised on the day is standing at around the $17,000 mark and we give thanks to God for that.

Please remember the Year 6 children and their teachers and parents as they head off to Camp tomorrow. They will be participating in a range of outdoor activities at Hanmer and I know you will pray for safety and good weather for them throughout their time away. I am also going as a support teacher, so I hope sleep is something that we all get enough of as well! Camps are always a great time of relationship building and looking out for each other and I know this one will be no exception.

As I think I have said in nearly all the Updates I have written, we appreciate the support you give us as a school. Keep being involved in any way you can. Partnership is what it is all about.

Ilisapeci Tuisoso was one of two members chosen from the Junior Choir to meet and talk with the Governor General, The Honourable Anand Satyanand, last week.

REMINDER: If you wish to have some input re your thoughts and ideas about your child’s placement for next year, please note the final day is Monday, 6 November. Any information/thoughts can be forwarded to Heather Kench, Head of Primary School either by note or e-mail hkench@middleton.school.nz

OSCAR PROGRAMME: Places are still available in our after school programme operating out of P9 (see the flag outside) every day after school. We accept both casual and permanent appointments on a part or whole week basis. Cost is $8.50 per session. If you require any further information contact Brett Fleming on 348 9826 ext 732.